Celestial Navigation


Celestial navigation is the practice of using astronomical observations, such as the positions of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies, to determine a spacecraft's position and course in space. This method of navigation is particularly useful for long-distance space travel, where traditional methods of navigation, such as GPS, are not available or reliable. Celestial navigation requires a deep understanding of astronomy, as well as specialized equipment, such as telescopes and star charts. By measuring the angles between celestial bodies and the spacecraft, and comparing these measurements to known astronomical data, astronauts can accurately determine their position and course in space. Celestial navigation has been used for centuries by sailors and explorers on Earth, and continues to be an important tool for space exploration.


Your Previous Searches
Random Picks

  • Event Horizon: Event Horizon is the point of no return around a black hole, where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape. In astronautical engineering, the term Event Horizon is used to describe the boundary around a ... Read More >>
  • Commercial Space Sector: Commercial Space Sector refers to the part of the space industry that is focused on the development, production, and sale of goods and services related to space exploration and utilization for commercial purposes. This includes the design a ... Read More >>
  • Contamination: Contamination refers to the presence of any harmful substance or organism in a given environment that can negatively affect the performance, reliability, or safety of space systems and equipment. In the context of space and astronautical en ... Read More >>
Top News

Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...

A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....

News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...

With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...

News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12

Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...

The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...

News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11

Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...

Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...

News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09

Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...

A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....

News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06